Today, we took the opportunity of hearing from Simon O’Connor, Head of Secretariat for the Ukraine Donor Platform (UDP, https://ukrainedonorplatform.com), in a detailed discussion about the platform’s crucial role in supporting Ukraine. Simon, an official with over 25 years of experience in policy and communications, took up his role in July 2024 and provided invaluable … Read more
This report synthesises key discussions from a significant session at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) 2025, titled “Charting a New Financial Course: Mobilizing Climate Action from COP29 to COP30”. The session focused on the critical need to accelerate climate finance, particularly private sector investment, to meet global sustainability targets and address the profound challenges of … Read more
The 2025 Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) emerged as a pivotal forum for advancing global sustainability agendas amid escalating geopolitical fragmentation and economic uncertainty. With 1,600 participants from 110 countries, the conference prioritized actionable outcomes, producing landmark agreements such as the Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the SDGs and the Global Alliance against Inequality[1][2][3]. This … Read more
As a Policy Advisor, I’ve had the distinct opportunity to reflect on the critical discussions at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference on June 3, 2025. This pivotal session, focusing on “Responsible AI for the Planet,” delved into an urgent question: how can we manage AI’s growing environmental footprint and increasing demand to align it with our … Read more
As a Policy Advisor, it was a privilege to reflect on the vital discussions held at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference on June 3, 2025. This round table, expertly moderated by Melina Walling of the Associated Press, brought together a distinguished panel of experts – Jukka Kantola, Roberto Jaguaribe Gomes de Matos, Éliane Ubalijoro, Rosalie Matondo, … Read more
The recent “Time for Take-Off: The WTO and the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement” interactive workshop, held at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference on June 2, 2025, convened decision-makers and thought leaders to explore how the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) can significantly benefit developing countries. Moderated by Axel Berger, Deputy Director of the German … Read more
A recent discussion, “Empowering Africa’s Entrepreneurs: Catalyzing Private Investment for Growth,” convened at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, tackled the critical challenge of unlocking private capital for Africa’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Moderated by Mr. Lucy Dempy, the session brought together key stakeholders, including Anna Sophie Herken (Managing Director, GIZ), Obiageli Ezekwesili (Founder and President, Human Capital … Read more
Publication review: UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). 2025. Human Development Report 2025: A matter of choice: People and possibilities in the age of AI. New York. https://hdr.undp.org/content/human-development-report-2025 The 2025 Human Development Report, “A matter of choice: People and possibilities in the age of AI,” marks a pivotal moment for sustainability consultants. As artificial intelligence accelerates, … Read more
The European Union’s vision for sustainable global partnerships is embodied in two key frameworks: Team Europe Initiatives (TEIs) and the Global Gateway (GG) strategy. These frameworks aim to foster coordinated efforts among EU Member States, mobilize investments, and drive transformative impacts in partner countries. However, bringing this vision to life requires the expertise and innovation … Read more
Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool for economic development and policymaking across Africa. As African nations explore ways to leverage AI, there is a growing focus on ensuring its responsible and ethical implementation. This approach aims to harness AI’s potential while addressing unique challenges and opportunities in the African context. The Promise … Read more
SDSN Releases the Sustainable Development Report 2024 Ahead of the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024, a new SDSN report calls for a United Nations 2.0 to strengthen global cooperation and financing for sustainable development Paris, France, 17 June 2024. None of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track to be achieved by 2030, … Read more
Global Gateway: The EU launches new regional initiatives in Africa to boost youth mobility and skills, including the unique Africa-Europe Youth Academy Today at the Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education in Brussels, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen launched new regional programmes boosting youth mobility and skills in Africa. The Team Europe Initiative on Opportunity-driven Skills … Read more
